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While dogs engage in numerous behaviors that we find adorable, some other ones can leave us quite perplexed. For instance, has your pup ever started compulsively licking the air for no obvious reason?
While air-licking pups can look humorous, some of the answers behind this odd behavior are downright concerning. If your dog is licking the air, they could be experiencing a medical or behavioral issue.
Here are seven reasons why your dog could be licking the air.
The 7 Reasons Why Dogs Lick the Air
1. A Foreign Object Is Stuck in Their Mouth
If your pup is licking at the air, there might be a foreign object stuck in their mouth or between their teeth. This may cause them to repeatedly lick or move their tongue because of the abnormal sensation in their mouth. Check the roof of your pet’s mouth to see if anything is stuck up there. While you’ve got their mouth open, also inspect the teeth, lips, and gums. Be sure to also check for loose teeth.
2. Stress or Anxiety
Dogs will lick the air if they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This could be because of a disruption to their daily routine, a recent move, a new pet in the household, or strangers entering your home. While your dog is displaying this behavior, pay close attention to other signs of anxiety, including submissive urination, crouching, or trying to hide. You may want to consider making an appointment with an animal behaviorist if the problem persists.
3. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
If you own a senior dog that is licking the air, they may have developed canine cognitive dysfunction. This disease is similar to dementia in people and can result in your pet licking the air and other repetitive behaviors. Contact your vet to schedule a wellness check.
4. Tracking Down a Strong Scent
A dog that seems to be licking the air may also be participating in a behavior known as the “flehmen response.” This happens when a dog’s nose picks up certain smells, such as urine, or pheromones. The mouth motion helps them to push these important scents over the vomeronasal organ, which is an olfactory sensory structure involved in detecting certain chemical signals and scent compounds.
5. GI Problems
There is actually a medical term for when dogs lick the air or other surfaces. Called “Excessive Licking of Surfaces” (ELS), this behavior can indicate a gastrointestinal issue, including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a decreased appetite. If your dog’s licking is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, make a vet appointment right away.
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6. Seizures
Canine seizures can lead to a wide variety of behaviors. Some dogs will paddle their legs while lying on their sides. Others will have subtler signs, such as compulsive licking.
7. Nausea
Dogs may lick the air when they’re feeling nauseated. This behavior can also be accompanied by drooling, repeated swallowing, vomiting, eating grass, or a decreased appetite. If your dog seems sick in addition to licking the air, contact your vet for guidance.
How to Stop My Dog From Licking Air
If your pet isn’t suffering from any health issues, there are plenty of ways to help reduce their air licking, including:
- Ensuring they aren’t allergic to a new diet.
- Preventing stress by keeping a daily routine and introducing them to new pets in a slow, safe manner.
- Buying them new toys to keep them occupied and stimulated.
- Brushing your dog’s teeth daily to remove any stuck food particles.
If you believe that your dog’s air licking is a sign of an underlying health condition, make an appointment with your vet.
Important note: Please seek veterinary care promptly if the air licking is sudden, frequent, compulsive, accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating, or possible toxin exposure. These signs can sometimes indicate oral pain, gastrointestinal disease, neurologic problems, or other underlying medical conditions.
Conclusion
While air licking can look like bizarre behavior, it may mean your dog is suffering from a medical or behavioral condition. Get them checked out by a vet to rule out any health concerns. If they continue to lick the air, this may be due to a behavioral issue. Ensure your dog is engaged and stress-free by keeping a daily routine, playing with them often, and slowly introducing them to new pets, people, or situations.
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Featured Image Credit: RN23W, Shutterstock
